Roofer Profile: Ryan Kruse – FL Specialty Roofing

By DaVinci Roofscapes.

Meet Ryan Kruse, owner of FL Specialty Roofing, and the recent winner of the DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor 2023 Project of the Year Award.

FL Specialty Roofing was started just a few years ago with a focus on bringing composite roofing to projects. With dedication and installation excellence, the team has moved swiftly to make its mark in the Florida marketplace.

In 2023 the opportunity to re-roof the custom castle-like home of Tom Mahaffey brought FL Specialty Roofing a unique challenge. Start with the installation of the DaVinci Multi-Width Slate tiles in a staggered application across the multi-level rooftop. Add in the preservation of copper dormers and other copper roof components, for reuse on the roof. Then top off with the installation of the cone turret roof. 

The final result was so stunning that it was easily named a DaVinci Roofscapes Masterpiece Contractor 2023 Project of the Year Award Winner. 

Overview: 2023 Project of the Year

Located just blocks for the ocean, the Mahaffey’s natural slate roof started falling apart just 13 years after installation. The culprit? Extensive sun exposure, salt air, Florida storms and foot traffic.

When the homeowners turned to FL Specialty Roofing for help, they found a roofing team ready to solve their headaches.

“They loved the look of the natural slate when it was first installed, but were severely discouraged by the deterioration of the material and the maintenance,” says Ryan Kruse, co-owner/sales of FL Specialty Roofing, a DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor. “DaVinci Multi-Width Slate was our instant recommendation for this home.

“We’ve seen DaVinci’s composite product solve similar concerns for homeowners in other situations. We knew it would do the same for this homeowner.”

The very special design of the home challenged the FL Specialty Roofing team in the best of ways.

“We feel this job encompasses almost every aspect of a true premium roof project,” says Ryan. “From the use of the most designer DaVinci product to a staggered installation technique to a custom turret package. We leveraged every design element DaVinci has to offer. All that coupled with custom copper work and cupolas, and we’re proud to have delivered a true artisan roof.”

Insights from a winning roofer

Based in Altamonte Springs, Florida, FL Specialty Roofing focuses on residential, custom, commercial and multi-family roofing projects throughout Florida. Here Ryan shares his thoughts about installing composite roofing, working in Florida and his dedication to the roofing industry.

Q: How did you get started in the roofing business?

In the summer of 2017 I wanted to pursue a career in both sales and construction. Having worked out of state a lot in corporate sales, I wanted something more hands on and in the field. I also had a baby on the way, so I wanted to be closer to home. That’s how I got involved in roofing.

Q: What makes your company recommend DaVinci products?

We recommend DaVinci when a customer is looking for a product that can both perform functionally and deliver excellent aesthetics. Products such as Select Shake and Province Slate are some of our “go to” favorites, as they provide a good price point for a composite product in those profiles.

Q: How have DaVinci products helped increase sales for your company?

Selling DaVinci has led to us working with some high end, custom residential roof projects, particularly with the DaVinci Multi-Width Slate product. This has helped establish us as a trusted contractor for premium roof products and installations.

Q: When selling DaVinci products to a new customer, what are the features and benefits that customers react best to?

Product durability is really the biggest benefit customers here in Florida appreciate. DaVinci doesn’t experience the same cracking/breakage that occurs far too often on other traditional types of roofing material as a result of storms, golf balls and foot traffic.

Q: What made you think that this particular project would be a winning candidate for the DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor Project of the Year Award?

This home encompasses all the high end aspects of a custom roof project. We not only used the DaVinci Multi-Width Slate product, but we installed it in a staggered pattern. This was all combined with custom copper fabrication and a metal package. At the same time we restored and saved good condition pre-existing copper roof components. The DaVinci turret package was the icing on the cake!

Q: What’s your dream roofing job?

That’s a tough question! Maybe one of the historic universities here in Florida, like Rollins College or Flagler College. 

Q: Finally, if you absolutely had to change professions tomorrow, what do you think you’d do?

Easy … I’d love to be a Division 1 NCAA Football head coach, so I could get paid millions to get fired and leave!